Chapter 344

The question from Emperor Jiang made everyone secretly break into a cold sweat.

They also understood Emperor Jiang's meaning.

If Zhunti continued to fiercely protect Yinglong and the others, then the Twelve Ancestral Witches would have no choice but to truly deploy the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net.

Upon hearing this, Zhunti couldn't help but let out a scornful laugh.

"Hahaha, what a bold Twelve Ancestral Witches—are you trying to force this seat?!"

"What does the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net matter?"

"You may as well try; this seat can withstand it single-handedly."

Zhunti's response grew even more impolite.

As his words faded, he instead took a step forward and looked down upon Emperor Jiang.

Questioning a Saint?!

Even if the Twelve Ancestral Witches all arrived, it would still be useless!

At the same time, Zhunti's action was also forcing Emperor Jiang to make a decision.

After all, anyone could see whether the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net could truly form, and that depended entirely on him, the leader of the Twelve Ancestral Witches.

Even facing a true Saint, Zhunti showed not the slightest fear.

Not to mention, the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net was merely "comparable" to a Saint's power.

Indeed!

As soon as that response left his mouth, Emperor Jiang's expression froze instantly.

He had not expected Zhunti to be so domineering.

For the sake of a few Dragon Clan beings, he would actually dare to clash head-on with the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net?!

Moreover, Zhunti's unreserved reply only fueled Emperor Jiang's anger further.

Was he not putting the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net in his eyes at all?!

"You......"

Emperor Jiang glared at Zhunti.

At the same time, the Banner of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net had already appeared in his palm, giving off a feeling of eagerness to try.

This move caused the faces of Gonggong and others to tighten, filled with anticipation.

They were only waiting for Emperor Jiang's command, then they would unhesitatingly raise the Banner of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net and summon Pangu's phantom.

Who would have thought,

at this very moment,

Zhu Jiuyin beside him suddenly spoke.

"Elder brother, absolutely not!"

Even though Emperor Jiang was nearly blinded by anger, Zhu Jiuyin still retained his last clarity and reason.

He looked at Emperor Jiang and said this softly.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jiang furrowed his brows, seeming somewhat displeased as he looked at Zhu Jiuyin.

The latter paid no heed, merely continuing to advise:

"Elder brother, once the Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net is unleashed today, it will inevitably spiral out of control and cannot be resolved."

"Even if we can withstand Zhunti alone, the Buddhist sect still has Jieyin, Hongyun, and even Chen Ku holding the fort."

"If war breaks out, would they not sense it?!"

"When that time comes......"

Zhu Jiuyin's tone was very heavy.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jiang's heart trembled.

At present, Jieyin, Chen Ku, and the others may still be in seclusion, which is why they have not yet appeared.

At present, Jieyin, Chen Ku, and others might still be in seclusion, which is why they have not yet appeared.

But once Pangu's phantom emerges, even the deepest seclusion will be shattered and they will be awakened.

Though Pangu's phantom is strong, the Twelve Ancestral Witches are ultimately not of Saintly cultivation.

Combined, they can barely withstand the might of one Saint—this is already their limit.

This has already been proven in previous great battles.

When the Three Saints emerge together, it will undoubtedly be an overwhelming crush against the Twelve Ancestral Witches, leaving no room for doubt.

Moreover, besides Jieyin, Zhunti, and Hongyun, there is also the formidable Chen Ku.

That fellow can, by his own power, shatter the Zhu Xian Sword Formation, which is said to be unbreakable without the Four Saints.

Compared to that, their so-called Great Formation of the Divine Gods of the Heavenly Net has even less hope of victory.

Merely, even after understanding Zhu Jiuyin's meaning, Emperor Jiang still felt unwilling.

He stood frozen on the spot, his face showing a conflicted expression.

Seeing this, Zhu Jiuyin also knew Emperor Jiang still harbored the desire to avenge Chiyou.

After a moment's silence, Zhu Jiuyin continued speaking:

"If we today incur the grudge of the Buddhist sect, it would likely be something the Demon Race would delight to see."

"If we today forge a grudge with the Buddhist sect, it would likely be exactly what the Demon Race wishes to see."

"No matter the outcome, it would only let the Demon Race reap the benefits without effort."

"In that case, the losses of our Wu Clan would only grow greater!"

This time, Zhu Jiuyin's words could be said to have struck deep into Emperor Jiang's Dao-heart.

Chiyou's death, though it filled the Twelve Ancestral Witches with righteous fury,

【61】 if it allowed the Demon Race to profit, that was something Emperor Jiang would rather not see.

Moreover, having spoken thus, Emperor Jiang had already calmed down.

If this battle were to erupt, it would only cause the Wu Clan's losses to grow ever greater, with no benefit whatsoever.

After a long silence, the aura that overwhelmed the heart and soul surrounding Emperor Jiang gradually subsided.

Considering the greater good, this battle could ultimately not be initiated.

Suppressing the anger in his heart, Emperor Jiang coldly glanced at Yinglong and the others opposite him, then said to Zhunti:

"Today's matter, I have taken note of it!"

Upon hearing this, Zhunti revealed a knowing smile.

He naturally could discern the implied meaning in Emperor Jiang's words.

And as a saint, he naturally did not take Emperor Jiang's veiled "threat" to heart at all.

Thereafter, Emperor Jiang said no more.

With a wave of his hand, the spatial passage opened once again.

"Let's go!"

He turned his head and instructed the remaining ancestor witches.

Seeing this, Zhurong and the others were stunned.

What's going on?!

Our Elder Brother Emperor Jiang has already unfurled the Heavenly Net God-Slaying Banner—how could his attitude change so quickly?!

Moreover, Yinglong and the others have not yet repaid their blood debt with blood—how could we just retreat like this?!

"Elder Brother..."

Zhurong spoke up, still wanting to say something.

However, Emperor Jiang had no patience for idle talk.

He put on a stern face and repeated once more.

"Go!"

This time, the majesty of Emperor Jiang as the chief of the Twelve Ancestor Witches was fully displayed, leaving no room for doubt.

Instantly, Zhurong and the others, who had previously been clenching their fists and rubbing their palms, were completely dispirited.

They could also see that their Elder Brother Emperor Jiang was truly enraged.

Exchanging glances, they found it hard to say anything further.

They could only enter the spatial passage with grim faces, vanishing on the spot.

And Emperor Jiang likewise cast a cold, fierce glance back at the Buddhist assembly, took a step forward, and returned to the Wu Clan.

With the Twelve Ancestor Witches departed, the previously tense and suffocating atmosphere of drawn swords and nocked bows suddenly eased.

Countless beings exhaled in relief, their hearts finally at peace.

That earlier standoff atmosphere was truly terrifying.

And Yinglong and the others also let go of their anxious hearts.

"We bow in gratitude for the saint's protection!"

Yinglong and the others hastily performed their rites, bowing to Zhunti.

Seeing this, Zhunti merely gave a faint smile.

"You also stepped forward for Chen Ku's nephew, sheltering humanity, not failing the title of Human Race's Holy Father."

"My protection of you is naturally due, so no need for excessive courtesy."

Zhunti's response once again highlighted Chen Ku's unique status.

If it were anyone else, the saint would certainly not personally intervene.

And upon hearing this, Yinglong and the others felt even more fortunate.

Following Chen Ku was truly the right choice!

At the same time.

Watching Zhunti successfully shield Yinglong and the others, the Twelve Ancestor Witches returned defeated.

All beings were also shocked and regretful, unable to help but engage in heated discussion once more.

"Overbearing, truly too overbearing!"

"A few words, intimidating the Twelve Ancestor Witches—this is the saint's supreme heavenly might."

"Under the saint, all are ants; we have finally truly experienced this."

"Quite right, quite right—no wonder from ancient times to now, we cultivators all take proving the Dao and becoming saints as our highest goal."

All beings marveled thus.

Gazes directed at Zhunti now carried even more boundless awe and reverence.

Imagine what kind of existence the Twelve Ancestor Witches are?!

Disrespecting heaven and earth, not venerating the saint!

Once given the upper hand, they could accomplish anything.

Yet from beginning to end, Zhunti remained calm and composed, untroubled.

Merely a few seemingly light words, and in the end, they left the Twelve Ancestor Witches with no fighting spirit, only able to return in resentment.

One could say, this confrontation made the saint's deterrent power manifest.

Of course, this deterrent power is not solely Zhunti's.

More importantly, the presence of Jieyin, Hongyun, Chen Ku, and others yet to appear.

After marveling, great powers also nodded in silent approval.

"People all say the Wu Clan are simple-minded."

"But choosing this way today is indeed extremely wise."

"Exactly, although Emperor Jiang and the others are warlike, they are not truly brainless people."

"To clash head-on with the Buddhist sect is no different from self-destruction; Emperor Jiang and the others are still very clear about such consequences."

"The might of the Buddhist sect is truly such that no one can shake it anymore."

Unexpectedly, no living beings laughed as the Wu Clan retreated in defeat.

On the contrary, countless immortals and gods expressed their approval of the Twelve Ancestral Witches.

After all, to knowingly do what cannot be done is not bravery.

It is merely seeking one's own death, the act of brainless fools.

Anyone else would only be able to make the same choice as Emperor Jiang.

They are even less capable than Emperor Jiang, lacking the courage to confront and challenge a sage.

Therefore, although this farce feels somewhat anticlimactic, all beings can still understand it.

Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, within the Demon Court!

Di Jun and Taiyi's faces at this moment were gloomy as water.

"Trash, trash!"

"Hmph, what damned Twelve Ancestral Witches, ultimately just a bunch of incapable fools."

Taiyi spoke in a low voice, thus angrily rebuking, feeling quite stifled.

What the hell?!

Earlier, when we were openly hostile, I was just waiting to watch the show.

And the Wu Clan said they wouldn't fight, so they didn't?!

In an instant, Taiyi's original expectation came to nothing.

How could he not be angry?!

Of course, the most important thing is that this war did not break out; in the end, the Wu Clan merely lost a great witch, Chuli.

Given time, the Wu Clan will also have even deeper foundations to deal with the Demon Race.

This is the fundamental reason for Di Jun's frustration.

Besides, Di Jun's expression was also not pleasant.

But everything has already been settled; even if they are unwilling, they naturally cannot change anything.

After a moment, Di Jun had no choice but to accept this result.

"Alas... the farce has already ended; our overthinking is of no use."

"It is better to quickly enter seclusion, first to contemplate the Mixed Yuan Dao, second to let the Demon Race's living beings quickly regain control of the Zhou Tian Star Doul Great Array."

Emperor Jiang withdrew his gaze, saying this with deep meaning.

After all, strengthening oneself is still the most important thing.

When a great war with the Wu Clan breaks out in the future, they will also have more confidence to respond.

Therefore, Di Jun offered a word of advice.

Afterward, the two said no more, re-entered seclusion, and attempted to comprehend the Mixed Yuan Dao.

In the vast Demon Court, tranquility was restored accordingly.

In Kunlun Mountain.

The previous commotion was too astonishing; the Three Pure Ones had long been unable to sit idly by.

At this moment, they only then gradually withdrew their gaze.

Everything before was obviously already fully taken in.

Tongtian's gaze was profound, yet mixed with a hint of bewildered confusion.

Not bad!

He has already returned.

After being exiled by Chen Ku's space, he then suffered provocation from the soul demon god and engaged in a fierce battle.

But Tongtian's combat strength is ultimately still unparalleled.

This is why he did not get lost in the outer Chaos realm and returned to Kunlun Mountain.

"This result is actually reasonable!"

"However, that Zhunti is also truly too incapable."

"As a revered sage, why must he waste words with people like Zhurong?!"

Passage.

This statement can be said to both look down on the Wu Clan and disapprove of Zhunti's previous reaction.

A sage ought to be supreme; explaining things to non-sage living beings is superfluous and damages sage dignity.

In Tongtian's view, Zhunti could have directly acted earlier, suppressed Zhurong, and resolved this matter swiftly and cleanly.

That way, even if Emperor Jiang and the others arrived, they could not possibly set up the Zhou Tian God Slaughter Great Array.

Why then need such "earnest persuasion"?!

Of course, Tongtian's stance also stems from lingering resentment toward the West.

However, regarding Tongtian's words, Yuanshi does not agree.

He looked at Tongtian with an all-seeing gaze.

Then, he spoke in a deep voice:

"In my view, it is not that Zhunti is incapable."

"Perhaps he is also considering the Pingxin in the Underworld."

Don't forget, Pingxin is ultimately the transformation of the former Ancestral Witch Houtu, and there remains an inseparable karmic entanglement with the Wu Clan.

Yuanshi's words left Tongtian stunned.

Oh?!

Is that so?!

Back then, Houtu sacrificed her body to become the cycle of reincarnation, her Dao body shattered, and she was reformed into Pingxin.

Although she had once proclaimed to heaven, earth, and all beings, saying, "Once the cycle of reincarnation arrives, Houtu is no longer a witch."

However, the Three Purities naturally did not fully believe her.

No matter how it is said, Houtu originated from the Wu Clan, and she cultivated endless ages alongside Dijiang and others, sharing a bond as close as siblings.

How could it be severed just by saying so?!

In that case, Yuanshi's argument does indeed hold some merit.

After all, Pingxin's strength is beyond doubt.

Precisely because of this, Zhunti left some dignity for the Twelve Ancestral Witches?!

Tongtian fell into silent contemplation, saying nothing more.

On the other side, Laozi remained silent.

He merely wore a solemn expression, his gaze piercing through the void as he looked toward the human race and the direction of the Wu Clan, as if pondering something.

Since the Demon Race slaughtered humans before, the Ren Sect's prestige among humanity has plummeted dramatically.

The fortune of the Ren Sect has also greatly diminished, no longer in its former peak state.

This made Laozi deeply unwilling.

And this time, the Wu Clan is so stubborn, driving out the Western Buddhist sect and forbidding them from interfering in human affairs.

In Laozi's view, this is actually an opportunity.

If the Wu Clan could truly imprison humanity and completely control human beings, then perhaps... given time, he could also regain humanity's fortune and merit under the name of the Ren Sect.

At present, Laozi is investigating whether such an opportunity exists.

But not long after, Laozi's expression shifted, as if he had seen something.

And his gaze also fell upon the direction of the Wu Clan.

"Hehe... wonderful, wonderful!"

"As for Gonggong and the others, they are indeed still unwilling......"

Upon saying this.

Yuanshi and Tongtian immediately revealed expressions of keen interest, instantly turning toward the sound.